Thought I'd go snooping over at Bimmmerfest, and after searching on Audi *and A6/7 was a bit surprised.*I've never been a big BMW fan, and we have 1 Audi already in the family (TT) and another on the way *(s7) so my prejudices are clear . But there did seem to me be a consensus over there that the A6, at least, beats the BMW 5 at its own game: driving. They gave BMW points to seats, interior, style, comfort, and dealer/service! But a lot of folks conceded Audi has a lighter feel, is quicker, more responsive, more tossable. I.e., a better DRIVING MACHINE. Audi's light steering feel was the thought to be the biggest downer - but not all that worse than the current 5. Wow. BMW voted the king of style and comfort over driving by its own minions?

I know none of this matters compared to your own judgement. But I do think its interesting to hear what real car guys think about the strengths *and weaknesses of their own rides. It can sharpen your own perceptions and judgements. And I fully *admit to being *weak willed enough that other *(informed) *opinions do impact me. I suppose confirmation is always a little satisfying. (Hence *all the solicitations for opinion on color choices and mods on this site.)

Anyway, Judging by my highly unscientific research project, seems like if AoA improved it seats and exerted a little discipline on its dealers - both of which I gather from this site would be welcomed by Audiophiles - it would be an easy way to win over *even more.*

Any Bimmer lurkers here want to chime in?

 

Undoubtedly!

My salesman was awesome... Knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. My [former] service dept--That's a completely different story. They could definitely use an overhaul!

As for the competition, I looked at a "basic" 640i GC ($87K) and I wasn't the least bit impressed w/ the exterior styling nor the amenities, or lack thereof, offered at said sticker price. However, the interior styling and comfort features were light years beyond that of the A7.

 

Seats maybe but not sure I'd agree the BMW has the better interior over the A6/A7.

 

+1.

 

The one aggravating thing driving me away from BMW is the run flats! They wear out very quickly and are nearly double the regular tire price! Plus, the dealer likes to use scare tactics to get you to buy the tire and wheel insurance. As for service departments, I think each marque has its own good ones and bad ones.
I loved how the A7 drove compared to the F series and although I drive an X5, I would not buy another. If you read the threads, the recurring theme is BMW has lot it's way and is becoming a car for the masses and lost it's ultimate driving machine status. That being said, this will be my first Audi and hope to enjoy it!

 

...which speaks about Audi's increasing popularity in Silicon Valley. Has some interesting comments about the shift from BMW to Audi.

http://www.wired.com/business/2012/0...-innys-in-tech

 

Interesting read, thanks for the link!

This got me lol ...

 

LOL, love it! Great article!